Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

J’s and K’s still here.

Saturday, July 10th, 2010


There has been a fishing derby out of Deer Harbor Marina this weekend and just about every boat in the derby brought back a chinook (king) salmon. The largest so far is 27 lbs with most being in the mid 20 lb range. Nothing like the really big chinook of years ago but still a fairly good sign that there are lots of fish here.
J and K pod have been either on the west side of San Juan Island or in Georgia Strait following the salmon up to the Fraser River. L pod has been in but they usually leave after a few days here. The go out to sea and return in a week or so.
This is the best time of year to be out on the water to see the southern residents.
For more info on Chinook salmonĀ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_salmon

More J and k pod today

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010


Great day yesterday with J and K pod. And another day of avoiding the worts of the wind in the Straits. Check out one of our happy faces.

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J Pod in Deer Harbor

Monday, June 14th, 2010


Some of J pod came through Pole Pass into Deer Harbor. They looked a little confused before they came through the pass, probably because over half of the whales had never been through there before so the elders had to lead the way.

Superpod today, well almost

Sunday, June 6th, 2010


Today K pod made a showing for the first time this season on the west side of San Juan Island, along with J pod and some of L pod. 85% of the resident orca are back in the islands, a very comforting feeling.

Happy Birthday Granny!

Friday, June 4th, 2010


We saw J-2 today, also known as Granny. This year, 2010, she is estimated to be 100 years old. And still going strong I might add. Happy Birthday Granny!!

They’re Baaaaaack!

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010


J and L pod are coming in towards the islands from the Pacific as I write this. Yeah!!!!!

T40 in Westsound

Monday, May 24th, 2010


What a surprise to meet up with T40, T86A and her offspring off of the Shaw Island ferry dock. T-40 also known as Captain Hook has been around for quite a while. Notice from the photo the distinctive dorsal fin, very broad at the base and bent on the top. He’s one of the transients that can be out for the area for years only to make an appearance and be gone again. They came through Deer Harbor later in the evening.

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L pod was here yesterday.

Saturday, May 15th, 2010


Well, L pod was here yesterday and gone today, already heading west out the Juan DeFuca Strait. It’s kind of early to see L pod and in good sighting days they usually don’t stick around long so for them to come and go like this is not uncommon. Today we did manage to have seven transients cruising up the west side of San Juan Island heading north.

J POD IS BACK!!!

Friday, April 30th, 2010


I look forward to that heading in the subject line every Spring. Today we had J pod coming east from Victoria and points west heading at speed for the islands. Hopefully all of the J’s are present and accounted for and that there will be enough salmon here to keep them around and well fed for months to come.

Great photo of our boat and a transient orca after a sea lion.

Thursday, April 15th, 2010


pelagic31Thank you Jeff from Emerald Seas Whale Watching for sending me this great photo.